Research Update:Dodder Seed.

  seminal trace...Cuscuta chinensis.Dodder.Dodder seed extract.Dodder Seed Extract.5:1.Cuscuta chinensis.Main Content:Kaempferol,C15H10O6;Quercetin,C15H10O7;Astragalin,C21H20O11.....

 


   Phytochemical info of Cuscuta chinensis:

 Product Name:
 Synonym:
 Definition:Cuscuta chinensis are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research Update:Dodder Seed

  Protection of extract from Cuscuta japonica on human sperm acrosome and ultrastructure liver oxidative damage:Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine.YAN Zhi Zhong,YANG Xin,DING Cai Fei,ZHANG Yong Hua,DU Jing.

 Aim:to Observe Protection of extract from Cuscuta japonica on human sperm acrosome and ultrastructure liver oxidative damage by oxygen, discuss the treatment mechanism of dodder for ED and effects on human sperm.Method: apply Percoll Grads Method to create a normal sperm model by selecting a sperm with normal physiological functions, use HX-XO system generate reactive oxygen(ROS),aerobic environment,apply ROS, different concentration dodder and sperm,,calculate the integrity of sperm acrosome,mirror to observe sperm acrosome and ultrastructure,compare result with antioxidant VitC.Result: The protective function from Dodder seed concentration 0.125g/mL and dodder seed concentration of 0.5g/mL shares no big difference as VC(0.25mg/mL)(P>0.001),Dodder seed concentration 0.25g/mL show stronger protective ability than VC(P<0.001).Conclusion: fitable concentration dodder extract show better protective function of sperm acrosome for damage from ROS.

   Semen cuscutae flavonoids protect cells of rat seminiferous tubule from apoptosis induced by serum withdraw.:Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin.WANG Cheng. QIN Da Nian.

 Aim:observe the protective effects of chinese dodder seed flavonoids for the testicle cells oxidative damage.Method:test and confirm MDA,T-AOC,ROS and other oxidative damage data,TdT-mediated dUDP-Xnick end labeling,TUNEL method for spermary cell withered and death.Result: dodder seed flavonoids at different dosage show inhibition on spermary cells oxidative damage and demise without serum derived,and final effects show dosage depend,strongest at 500 mg¡¤L-1.Conclusion: Dodder flavonoids is a kind of effective antioxidant,show antioxidative and anti-demise effects.

  Study on extracting procedure of total flavonoids from semen cuscutae:Journal of Harbin University of Commerce(Natural Sciences Edition).WU Chun,CHEN Lin-lin.JIANG Yi Qiao.

 Select water bath surghe extraction method,set the dodder total flavonoids quality mass as target,develope research on solution concentration, extraction temperature,solid liquid ratio,extraction period,times,etc and their effects for the quality mass. Apply Orthogonal Experiment method and sure the best extraction method for dodder total flavonoids:extraction temperature at 60 deg C. Solid liquid ratio at 1:14, Ethanol volume fraction 55%, extraction period 2 hours,extraction times twice.

  Study on chemical componets of vine and stem of 4 kinds of semen cuscutae in shandong province:Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.LIN Hui Bin.LIN Jian Qiang,LIN Jian Qun,LIU Qing,JIANG Bo.

 Aim:to testify explore and make sure the total flavonoids and polysaccharides content of the dodder stem from ShanDong province of China.Method:colorimetric assays for total flavonoids; assay for polysaccharides use phenol-sulfuric acid method after extracts dialyzed.Result:Total flavonoids of dodder seed from shandong varies between 3.26%~8.12%,higher than the content of dodder seed;content of polysaccharides between3.82%~8.28%,lower than the polysaccharides of dodder seed.Among 4 kinds of dodder,Cuscuta japonica Choisy shows the highest total flavonoids and polysaccharides.

  Effects of Flavonoids of Semen Cuscutae on Reproductive Function of Animals:Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology.SHE Yun Chu.SHE Bai Rong.QIN Da Nian.

 Research progress on the effects of the dodder flavonoid extract on hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary.Result show the extract of dodder Estrogen-like Effects;Make adult rat bigger pituitary,ovary,and uterus;increase hCG,LH and LRH;boost excrete of hCG;Increase weight of testicle and epididy.

  Comparative study on trace elements in four kinds of dodder seed in shandong:Shandong Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.LIN Hui Bin.LIN Jian Qiang,LIN Jian Qun.ZHAO Xue Mei.LI Yan.

 Apply atomic absorption method to determine 7 kinds of the mineral trace element from 4 kinds dodder seed.Result show that Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and Cuscuta australis R. Br. contains higher amount of Zn,Mn,Cu and other trace minerals than other kinds of doder,such as Cuscuta japonica Choisy and Cuscuta lupuliformis Krocker,and the toxic minerals of As,Pb,Cd in low concentration.

  Interrelation Between Species,Ripening Stage of Dodders and Their Content of Total Flavone:China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy.LIN Hui Bin.LIN Jian Qiang,LIN Jian Qun.ZHANG Xi Lin,SU Ben Zheng.

 Aim:to analysis the total flavonoids of shandong province.Method:UV.Result: the total flavonoids of ShanDong varies between 1.57%~3.72%,Cuscuta chinen-sis Lam the highest,averaged 3.42%;Cuscuta.lupuliformis Krocker averaged 1.75%,dodder seed contains more flavonoids when become mature..Conclusion:Cuscuta chinen-sis Lam and Cuscuta australis R.Br contains more flavonoids and quality good.

  Comparative studies on protective effects on reproduction of Icariin and the substance extracted from the semen cuscutae in rats with partial androgen deficiency:Chinese Journal of Gerontology.ZHANG Zhen Bao,YANG Qin Tao,YANG Jing Qiu, ZHENG Jun Hong,ZHOU De Rong.

 Aim:To research on the topics of protection effects on productive system of epimedium extract and dodder extract.Result:epimedium extract and dodder extract all show protective effects,and epimedium extract stronger than dodder extract.


  The protect effect of flavonoids from Cuscuta chinensis in PC12 cells from damage induced by H2O2.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Oct;29(10):1051-5.Zhen GH, Jiang B, Bao YM, Li DX, An LJ. School of Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects of flavonoids from Cuscuta chinensis (CF) on oxidative stress in cultured PC12 cells and investigate the mechanism of the effects. METHODS: The cell viability was analyzed by MTT method and the radical scavenging activity of CF was examined by DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). The morphological changes were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining assay, and the apoptosis rate of PC12 cells was detected by propidium iodide stain flow cytometry (FCM). RESULTS: Application with 0.3-0.5 mM H2O2 induced a dose and time dependent viability loss in PC12 cells; Treatment with 0.5 mM H2O2 for 24 h was shown to cause nearly 50% viabliity loss and apoptosis in PC12 cells; Pretreatment with different concentrations of CF for 0.5 h increased the survival rate of PC12 cells, inhibited apoptosis induced by H2O2; CF had the activity of scavenging free radicals generated by DPPH in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: CF can protect PC12 cells against oxidative stress. The mechanism of it may be the ability of scavenging ROS and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzyme.

  Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Cuscuta chinensis against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Apr 20;111(1):123-8. Epub 2006 Nov 11.

 Tu-Si-Zi, the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae), is a traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to nourish and improve the liver and kidney conditions in China and other Asian countries. As oxidative stress promotes the development of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activities of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C chinensis on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The C chinensis ethanolic extract at an oral dose of both 125 and 250mg/kg showed a significant hepatoprotective effect relatively to the same extent (P<0.05) by reducing levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In addition, the same ethanolic extract prevented the hepatotoxicity induced by APAP-intoxicated treatment as observed when assessing the liver histopathology. Regarding the antioxidant activity, C chinensis ethanolic extract exhibited a significant effect (P<0.05) by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, the same doses of the aqueous extract of C chinensis did not present any hepatoprotective effect as seen in the ethanolic extract, and resulted in further liver deterioration. In conclusion, these data suggest that the ethanolic extract of Cuscuta chinensis can prevent hepatic injuries from APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and this is likely mediated through its antioxidant activities.

  Fabrication and evaluation of a new composite composed of tricalcium phosphate, gelatin, and Chinese medicine as a bone substitute.:J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2005 Nov;75(2):277-88.Yao CH, Tsai HM, Chen YS, Liu BS. Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Material Science, Chungtai Institute of Health Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.

 This study investigates the biological effects of traditional Chinese medicines on the activities of bone cells using rat bone cells. Then, a mixture of a GGT composite, that is, a novel biodegradable composite containing genipin crosslinked gelatin and tricalcium phosphate, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was prepared as a GGT-TCM composite. A cultured neonatal rat calvarias organ was used to measure the potential of GGT-TCM composite for use in promoting the regeneration of defective bone tissue. The mitochondria activity of the bone cells following exposure to various concentrations of crude extracts of five herbal Chinese medicines was measured by colorimetric assay. Biochemical markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) titers were analyzed to evaluate the activities of bone cells. Finally, we examined the organ culture units, which were maintained in cultured medium for 5 weeks. Morphology of tissue was observed, and the quantitative evaluation of the regenerated bone was determined. In a bone cells culture experiment, adding Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (TCM-5) to the bone cells culture clearly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblasts from their precursor cells; but the reduced amount of TRAP indicated that the medicine significantly inhibited the osteoclasts activities. Opposite bone cell responses were observed when Loranthus parasiticus Merr. (TCM-3) and Achyranthes bidentata Bl. (TCM-4) were added to the bone cells culture. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (TCM-1) and Dipsacus asper Wall. (TCM-2) potentially influence the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblasts from their precursor cells, but they did not affect the osteoclasts activities. The finding from the organ culture indicated that Chinese medicine effectively increased the rate of tissue regeneration of damaged bones.

  Characterization of phenolic compounds in the Chinese herbal drug Tu-Si-Zi by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.:Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom. 2005;19(11):1469-84.Ye M, Yan Y, Guo DA. The State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100083, PR China.

 Phenolic compounds are the major bioactive constituents of the Chinese herbal drug Tu-Si-Zi, which is prepared from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis. However, seeds of C. australis also are offered under the name of this drug in the herb market. In order to make a comparison of their chemical constituents, the phenolic compounds of these two Cuscuta species were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode-array detection/electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS(n)). A total of 50 compounds were observed in the methanol extracts, including 23 flavonoids, 20 lignans and 7 quinic acid derivatives. These compounds were separated on a C18 column and identified or tentatively characterized based on UV spectra and MS fragmentation behavior. In contrast to previous reports, the phenolic patterns of these two Cuscuta species were found to be very different. Kaempferol and astragalin were the predominant constituents of C. australis, while hyperoside was the major compound in C. chinensis. Most of the identified compounds, especially the acylated flavonoid glycosides, have not previously been reported from Cuscuta species. In addition, a 30 Da neutral loss observed for flavonols was investigated and could be used to differentiate flavonoid isomers such as kaempferol and luteolin. The ESI-MS fragmentation behavior of furofuran lignans was also investigated, and a characteristic pathway is proposed. The large differences observed between the phenolic constituents of C. chinensis and C. australis strongly encouraged further comparison of the bioactivities of these two species.

  Neuroprotective effect of a chuk-me-sun-dan on neurons from ischemic damage and neuronal cell toxicity.:Neurochem Res. 2006 Jan;31(1):1-9.Chung TW, Koo BS, Choi EG, Kim MG, Lee IS, Kim CH. Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University and National Research Laboratory for Glycobiology, Jangan-Gu, Suwon City, Kyunggi-Do 440-746, Korea.

 Chukmesundan (CMSD), composed of the following 8 medicinal herbs including Panex ginseng C.A. MEYER, Atractylodes macrocephala KOID, Poria cocos WOLF, Pinellia ternata BREIT, Brassica alba BOISS, Aconitum carmichaeli DEBX, Cynanchum atratum BGE and Cuscuta chinensis LAM. CMSD is being used in Korea for the treatment of various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders. This study was carried out to examine the effects of CMSD on cultured primary neuron cell, cell cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in Abeta-treated cells. Cell death was enhanced by addition of Abeta. Pretreatment of CMSD attenuated in cell killing induced by Abeta. The protective effect of the CMSD water extracts on Abeta-induced neuronal death was also observed by lactate dehydrogenase assay using cultured astrocyte cells. Abeta-induced cell death was protected by the water extract of CMSD in a dose-dependent manner, and 25-50 microg/ml was the most effective concentration. CMSD has been also shown to protect primary cultured neurons from N-methyl-D: -aspartate receptor-mediated glutamate toxicity. It was in vivo evidenced that CMSD protects neurons against ischemia-induced cell death. Moreover, oral administration of CMSD into mice prevented ischemia-induced learning disability and rescued hippocampal CA1 neurons from lethal ischemic damage. The neuroprotective action of exogenous CMSD was also confirmed by counting synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region. The presence of CMSD in neuron cultures rescued the neurons from nitrogen oxide (NO)-induced death. From these, it was suggested that CMSD may exert its neuroprotective effect by reducing the NO-mediated formation of free radicals or antagonizing their toxicity.


  Comparative study on immune enhancement effects of four kinds of dodder seeds in Shandong Province.:Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2003 May;1(1):51-3.Lin HB, Lin JQ, Lin JQ, Lu N, Yi XY. Shandong Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province 250014, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of immune enhancement, anti-fatigue and anoxia tolerance on mice of four kinds of dodder seeds in Shandong Province. METHODS: Water extracts and alcohol extracts of the four kinds of dodder seeds were administered to mice. The phagocytosis of coelio-macrophage, the weight changes of the immune organs, the survival time to swimming and lacking of oxygen were observed. RESULTS: The four kinds of dodder seeds in Shandong Province could enhance the phagocytosis of macrophage of mice and increase the weights of thymus and spleen of the immature mice. They could prolong the survival time of mice swimming and lacking oxygen. Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and C. australis R. Br. had better effects than the other two kinds, and the water extracts had better effects than alcohol extracts. CONCLUSION: The four kinds of dodder seeds in Shandong Province have the effects of immune enhancement, anti-fatigue and anoxia tolerance. The polysaccharide in dodder seeds is one of the effective materials to improve the immune system.

  RAPD analysis of four species of Cuscuta in Shandong Province.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Jan;26(1):8-10.Lin H, Lin J, Lin J.Shandong Institute of TCM, Jinan 250014.

 OBJECTIVE: To explore the genome difference of four species of Cuscuta in different hosts. METHOD: RAPD was used by 50 primers. RESULT: Four species of genus Cuscuta can be identified by 8 primers. Both Cuscuta chinensis and C. australis from Subg. Grammica had 3 bands whose molecular weights were 1.3 kb, 1.45 kb and 1.53 kb respectively. C. japonica and C. lupuliformis from Subg. Monogyna had a 1.48 kb specific band. Cuscuta of same subgenus had similar RAPD result and close genetic relationship. Same species of Cuscuta in different hosts showed DNA polymorphism. It indicated that hosts can affect genome of Cuscuta to some extent. CONCLUSION: RAPD can be used to identify the species of Cuscuta or same Cuscuta in different hosts.

  Studies on chemical constituents of Cuscuta chinensis.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Feb;27(2):115-7.Ye M, Yan YN, Qiao L, Ni XM. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis. METHOD: The separation was carried out by polyamide and silica gel chromatography, and the compounds were identified by means of physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. RESULTS: Eight compounds were isolated from the plant and identified as quercetin 3-O-beta-D-galactoside-7-O-beta-D-glucoside (I), quercetin 3-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactoside (II), hyperoside (III), isorhamnetin (IV), kaempferol (V), quercetin (VI), d-sesamin (VII) and 9(R)-hydroxy-d-sesamin (VIII). CONCLUSION: Compounds IV and VII were isolated from Cuscuta for the first time, and I, II and VIII were characteristic constituents for this vegetable drug.

  Effects of flavonoids from semen Cuscutae on changes of beta-EP in hypothalamuses and FSH and LH in anterior pituitaries in female rats exposed to psychologic stress.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2002 Dec;25(12):886-8.Wang J, Wang M, Ou Y, Wu Q. Jiangxi College of TCM, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To study the mechanism of flavonoids from Semen Cuscutae (FSC) improving the ovarian endocrine functions. METHODS: (1) FSC were obtained from the semen of Cuscuta chinensis through solvent extraction and polyamide columnar chromatography. (2) Sound, light and electricity were combined into a stressful stimulas to induce psychologic stress in female rats. (3) To observe the effects of FSC on the changes of beta-EP in hypothalamuses, FSH and LH in anterior pituitaries and the changes in pituitary morphology in female rats exposed to psychologic stress. RESULTS: FSC decreased the content of beta-EP in hypothalamuses, and increased the numbers of basophilic cell and content of LH in anterior pituitaries, didn't change content of FSH in anterior pituitaries in female rats exposed to psychologic stress. CONCLUSION: FSC decreases the contents of beta-EP in hypothalamuses and increases contents of LH in anterior pituitaries in female rats exposed to psychologic stress, which may be one of the mechanism of FSC improving hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis.

  Studies on the chemical constituents of the herba of Cuscuta chinensis.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2001 May;24(5):339-41.Ye M, Yan Y, Ni X, Qiao L. School of Pharmacognosy, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029.

 The chemical constituents of the herb of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. were investigated. Five compounds were isolated from petroleum ether and chloroform fraction. Their structures were identified as beta-sitosterol, d-sesamin, 9(R)-hydroxy-d-sesamin, d-pinoresinol and daucosterol by chemical and spectroscopical methods. All these compounds were isolated from the stem for the first time.


  Effects of herbal preparation Equiguard on hormone-responsive and hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma cells: mechanistic studies.:Int J Oncol. 2002 Apr;20(4):681-9.Hsieh TC, Lu X, Guo J, Xiong W, Kunicki J, Darzynkiewicz Z, Wu JM. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Brander Cancer Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.

 The Equiguard is a dietary supplement comprised of standardized extracts from nine herbs, respectively, Herba epimedium brevicornum Maxim (stem and leaves), Radix morindae officinalis (root), Fructus rosa laevigatae michx (fruit), Rubus chingii Hu (fruit), Schisandra chinensis (Turz.) Baill (fruit), Ligustrum lucidum Ait (fruit), Cuscuta chinensis Lam (seed), Psoralea corylifolia L. (fruit), and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge (root). This proprietary product, formulated according to Chinese traditional medicinal concepts, is aimed at restoring harmony in the of the kidney, an organ which Chinese medicinal principles consider to be vital for invigorating as well as maintaining balance of the entire urological system. As the prostate is an integral component of the urological system, we performed in vitro studies to test the effects of ethanol extracts of Equiguard to modulate prostate growth and gene expression. These studies used prostate cancer cells mimicking the androgen-dependent (AD) and androgen-independent (AI) states of prostate carcinogenesis. Results show that Equiguard significantly reduced cancer cell growth, induced apoptosis, suppressed expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and lowered intracellular and secreted prostate specific antigen (PSA), and almost completely abolished colony forming abilities of prostate cancer cells. These data support the interpretation that this herbal formulation contains ingredients that collectively may be efficacious in preventing or treating AD and AI prostate carcinoma. The anti-prostatic activities of Equiguard may stem from its complex composition capable of targeting multiple signal transduction/metabolic pathways, to effectively correct, counteract or circumvent the impaired or dysfunctional mechanisms accompanying different stages of prostate carcinogenesis.

  Chemical characterization and immunological activities of an acidic polysaccharide isolated from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam.:Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2000 Dec;21(12):1136-40.Wang Z, Fang JN, Ge DL, Li XY. Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.

 AIM: To study chemical characterization and immunological activities of an acidic polysaccharide, CHC-1, isolated and purified from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. METHODS: Both chemical and spectral methods were used to investigate the chemical characterization of CHC-1. Effect of CHC-1 on the proliferation rates of T- and B-lymphocytes both in vivo and in vitro, and antibody production in vivo was measured at various concentrations of CHC-1. RESULTS: The molecular weight of CHC-1 was estimated to be more than 1.0 x 10(6). The analytical results of sugar components indicated that CHC-1 was composed of Rha, Ara, Gal, and GalA in a molar ratio of 0.8:1.0:1.5:0.3. Methylation analysis and 1H, 13C NMR further identified the linkages of the residues of CHC-1. CHC-1 0.1 g/L promoted remarkably the proliferation of T-cells and B-cells in vitro. CHC-1 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg caused an evident increase in spleen weight, lymphocyte proliferation, antibody production, etc. But its effect on IgG levels was not significant. CONCLUSION: CHC-1 is a highly branched heteropolysaccharide and possessed immune enhancement activities.

  Identification of seeds of Cuscuta australis and C. chinensis by TLC and HPLC.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2001 Feb;24(2):97-9.Ye M, Zhou P, Yan Y, Li Y, Liu H. School of Pharmacognosy, Beijing Universty of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 100029.

 Identification of seeds of Cuscuta australis R. Br. and C. chinensis Lam. was carried out by TLC and HPLC. Polyamide membrane was used as stationary phase, MeOH-HOAc-H2O and CHCl3-MeOH-HOAc were used as mobile phase for TLC. For HPLC, Hypersil-ODS column was used; the mobile phase was MeOH-0.025 M H3PO4; the flow rate was 1.0 ml.min-1; detection wavelength was 360 nm; and column temperature was 40 degrees C. Both methods represented significant identification characteristics, and were simple, accurate and reproducible.

  Components of the ether-insoluble resin glycoside-like fraction from Cuscuta chinensis.:Phytochemistry. 1998 Jul;48(5):843-50.

 A trisaccharide and four new glycosidic acids, named cuscutic acids A-D, along with known organic acids, acetic acid, propionic acid, (2S)-2-methylbutyric acid, tiglic acid, (2R, 3 R)-nilic acid, (11S) convolvulinolic acid and (11S)-jalapinolic acid have been isolated from the alkaline hydrolysate of the ether-insoluble resin glycoside-like fraction of the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis. The compounds were characterized on the basis of chemical and physical data.

  Identification of semen Cuscutae by HPCE.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1997 Jul;32(7):549-52.Hu P, Luo GA, Wang RJ, Guo HZ, Li JS. Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084.

 A method for identification of semen Cuscutae, a traditional Chinese herb, was developed. The proteins in semen Cuscutae were extracted under acid or basic conditions and separated by high performance capillary electrophoresis. The electrophoretograms of acidic or basic extractants from Cuscuta chinensis Lam., Cuscuta australis R. Br. and Cuscuta japonica Choisy showed significant differences, which can be used to identify the three different semen Cuscutae. The results of the identification for 13 pharmacognosical samples agreed well with those of scanning electronic microscopy and tissue microanalysis.


  Flavonoids of Cuscuta australis R. Br.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1997 Jan;22(1):38-9, 62.Guo H, Li J.Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

 Six flavonoids were isolated from the seed of Cuscuta australis and four of them were identified as kaempferol, quercetin, astragalin and hyperoside. Hyperoside was obtained from this plant for the first time. In comparison with the flavonoids in C. chinensis, it is found that quercetin and its glycoside are the main flavonoids in C. australis. This result suggests that the flavonoids can be used to distinguish these two medicinal materials.

  Effect of improving memory and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity by invigorating-qi and warming-yang recipe.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1993 Nov;13(11):675-6, 646.Liu ZY, Yang YG, Zheng B. Hunan Institute of TCM, Changsha.

 Invigorating-Qi and Warming-Yang (IQWY) had a good curative effect to some senile diseases such as senile dementia, senile hypomnesia etc. This experiment was designed for probing into the therapeutical mechanism of IQWY recipe. BALB/C pure bred mice were divided into five groups. Group I was taken per os of invigorating Qi (IQ), Group II warming Yang (WY), Group III IQWY drugs, Group IV was dysmnesia model, and Group V blank control group injected with normal saline only. All groups except Group V were injected scopolamine (5mg/kg) intraperitoneally to induce dysmnesia model after medication. IQ drug consisted of Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, WY drug of Cynomorium songoricum, Epimedium brevicornum and Cuscuta chinensis, while IQWY recipe consisted of both IQ and WY drugs. The results showed that IQ, WY and IQWY had an evident antagonistic action to Scopolamine induced dysmnesia mice, and could improve their memory. The erroneous times of the animal's reaction in Group I, II and III were less than those in Group IV, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in the mice could be inhibited by IQ, WY and IQWY also. The activity in Group I, II and III was less than that in Group IV and V, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. The therapeutic mechanism of IQWY was in connection with its effect to M-cholinergic transmitters of central nervous system.

  Studies of the herbal and botanical origins of seman Cuscutae.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1990 Mar;15(3):138-40, 189.Guo C, Zhang Z, Zheng H, Shu Z, Li C.School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical Univeristy, Shanghai.

 Herbalogical study shows that Seman Cuscutae originated from Cuscuta chinensis is one of the most commonly used drugs in ancient times. Survey of botanical origins indicates that there are 9 species in Genus Cuscutae and 4 of them are commodities. The Cuscuta chinensis specified in current Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1985) is not the principal one.

  Effect of Cuscuta chinensis water extract on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced skin papillomas and carcinomas in mice.:J Ethnopharmacol. 1986 Oct;18(1):21-31.Nisa M, Akbar S, Tariq M, Hussain Z.

 Cuscuta chinensis, known as Aftimun, is reputed to have antitumour activity in the Unani system of medicine in India. The effect of a hot water extract of C. chinensis on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin papillomas and carcinomas in Swiss albino mice was studied. Oral administration of the extract (1 g/kg body wt) thrice a week in 22 mice, started on the tenth day after the first application of DMBA to the 252nd day, markedly delayed the appearance and retarded the growth of papillomas and the incidence of carcinoma, relative to a control group with 28 mice, in a two-stage system of tumorigenesis. Its prophylactic effect was found to be statistically significant.

  Influences of counterfeits on RAPD results of Semen Cuscutae.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2000 May;23(5):256-8.Liu C, Yan Y, Lu J, Tao W. Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029.

 Compared the differences of the RAPD results between pure Semen Cuscutae and 12 commercial samples, it comes into the conclusion that the exiting other sample influences the RAPD results when its content is over 60% and the results is same as its content being under 60%.


  Effects of flavonoids from Dodder seed on the reproductive system in male rats.:

 To evaluate the effects of the flavonoids extracted from Dodder on the reproductive and endocrine functions in male rats. Flavonoids from Dodder were obtained from the semen of Dodder sinensis through solvent extraction and polyamide columnar chromatography; Effect of Dodder on the reproductive organs was assessed in immature rats. Rats were administered Dodder through gastric gavage at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day for 7 days and the weights of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and pituitary gland were then observed; To observe the effect of Dodder on the reproductive endocrine function: same dose level of Dodder was given to male rats of different age groups for 7 days; on day 8, the plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and LH were determined by RIA, the specific binding of LH was estimated and the testes were weighed. Effect of Dodder on LH secretion was assessed in vitro on cultured adenohypophysis. (Effect of Dodder on T secretion was assessed in vitro on Leydig cell culture. Results: Dodder increased the weights of testis, epididymis and pituitary gland, and stimulated T and LH secretion both in vitro and in immature rats. Conclusion: Dodder invigorates the reproductive system and reproductive endocrine function in male rats.

  Effects of semen cuscutae , rhizoma Curculiginis, radix Morindae officinalis on human spermatozoan's motility and membrane function in vitro:

 To observe the effects of Dodder and Radix Morindae Officinalis (RMO) on human sperm motility in vitro and cytomembrane function. RESULTS: The sperm motility improved markedly and sperm membrane function became more stabilized after incubation, the Dodder had best effect, RMO was relatively poor. CONCLUSIONS: Dodder decoction is an effective promoting preparation for sperm motility and the membrane function stabilized. Therefore, Dodder may be beneficial in treating male sterility and may raise success rate in artificial insemination.

  Protection of extract from Cuscuta japonica on human sperm acrosome and ultrastructure:

 Objective: To study the oxidation damage of active oxygen (ROS) to human sperm acrosome and ultrastructure, and study the function mechanism about Cuscuta japonica treating male's infertility and asthenoospermia. Method: By using the Percoll gradient centrifugation, the sperm with normal physiological function were selected for the normal sperm model, and the sperm suspension were divided into the normal group, the model group, the positive control group (Vitamin C group), and the lugh, the median and the low dose gvoups of C. japonica. The ROS made from hypoxanthine-xanzine xanzine(HX-XO) and different content (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 g x mL(-1)) of extract were incubated with sperm in the oxygen environment. The acrosomic integrity rate were calculated and the sperm acrosome and ultrastructure were observed. Result: The content (0.125, 0.5 g x mL(-1)) of extract had no obvious difference as compared with Vitamin C (0.25 mg x mL(-1)) in protecting the acrosome and ultrastructure, but the content (0.25 mg x mL(-1)) of extract was significantly better than Vit C (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The suitable content of extract from C. japonica can significantly protect the sperm membrane, the acosomic structure and the mitochondrion function from the damage caused by ROS.

  A new flavanone, reflexin, from Cuscuta reflexa and its selective sensing of nitric oxide.:

 A new compound, reflexin, 5-hydroxy-7-methoxy-6-(2,3-epoxy-3-methylbutyl)-flavanone, is isolated from the stems of Cuscuta reflexa along with three other known compounds. This new compound has good potential for application especially in the photoactivity of reflexin. It was found to be sensitive to glutathione, forming a fluorescent product that is utilized for sensing nitric oxide (NO). The lowest detection limit of NO analysis was found to be 0.05 micro/M.

  Fabrication and evaluation of a new composite composed of tricalcium phosphate, gelatin, and Chinese medicine as a bone substitute.:

 This study investigates the biological effects of traditional Chinese medicines on the activities of bone cells using rat bone cells. Then, a mixture of a GGT composite, that is, a novel biodegradable composite containing genipin crosslinked gelatin and tricalcium phosphate, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was prepared as a GGT-TCM composite. A cultured neonatal rat calvarias organ was used to measure the potential of GGT-TCM composite for use in promoting the regeneration of defective bone tissue. The mitochondria activity of the bone cells following exposure to various concentrations of crude extracts of five herbal Chinese medicines was measured by colorimetric assay. Biochemical markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) titers were analyzed to evaluate the activities of bone cells. Finally, we examined the organ culture units, which were maintained in cultured medium for 5 weeks. Morphology of tissue was observed, and the quantitative evaluation of the regenerated bone was determined. In a bone cells culture experiment, adding Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (TCM-5) to the bone cells culture clearly promoted the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblasts from their precursor cells; but the reduced amount of TRAP indicated that the medicine significantly inhibited the osteoclasts activities. Opposite bone cell responses were observed when Loranthus parasiticus Merr. (TCM-3) and Achyranthes bidentata Bl. (TCM-4) were added to the bone cells culture. Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (TCM-1) and Dipsacus asper Wall. (TCM-2) potentially influence the proliferation and differentiation of the osteoblasts from their precursor cells, but they did not affect the osteoclasts activities. The finding from the organ culture indicated that Chinese medicine effectively increased the rate of tissue regeneration of damaged bones.

  Characterization of phenolic compounds in the Chinese herbal drug Tu-Si-Zi by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.:

 Phenolic compounds are the major bioactive constituents of the Chinese herbal drug Tu-Si-Zi, which is prepared from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis. However, seeds of C. australis also are offered under the name of this drug in the herb market. In order to make a comparison of their chemical constituents, the phenolic compounds of these two Cuscuta species were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode-array detection/electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/DAD/ESI-MS(n)). A total of 50 compounds were observed in the methanol extracts, including 23 flavonoids, 20 lignans and 7 quinic acid derivatives. These compounds were separated on a C18 column and identified or tentatively characterized based on UV spectra and MS fragmentation behavior. In contrast to previous reports, the phenolic patterns of these two Cuscuta species were found to be very different. Kaempferol and astragalin were the predominant constituents of C. australis, while hyperoside was the major compound in C. chinensis. Most of the identified compounds, especially the acylated flavonoid glycosides, have not previously been reported from Cuscuta species. In addition, a 30 Da neutral loss observed for flavonols was investigated and could be used to differentiate flavonoid isomers such as kaempferol and luteolin. The ESI-MS fragmentation behavior of furofuran lignans was also investigated, and a characteristic pathway is proposed. The large differences observed between the phenolic constituents of C. chinensis and C. australis strongly encouraged further comparison of the bioactivities of these two species.


  Adjuvant effect of ethanol extract of Semen Cuscutae on the immune responses to ovalbumin in mice.:

 An ethanol extract of Semen Cuscutae (EESC) was evaluated for its adjuvant potentials on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against ovalbumin (OVA). ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with OVA 100 microg alone or with OVA 100 microg dissolved in saline containing aluminum hydroxide gel (Alum) (200 microg), Quil A (10 or 50 microg) or EESC (100, 200 or 400 microg) on Days 1 and 15. Two weeks later (Day 28), concanavalin A (Con A)-, pokeweed (PWM)- and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and OVA-specific antibody in serum were investigated. EESC significantly enhanced the Con A-, PWM-, and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation in OVA-immunized mice at a dose of 200 microg (P<0.05 or P<0.025). OVA-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody levels in serum were significantly enhanced by EESC compared with OVA control group (P<0.025). Moreover, enhancing effects of EESC on these OVA-specific antibody responses to OVA in mice were more significant than those of Alum and Quil A (P<0.025). In conclusion, the results suggest that EESC is effective on Th1 and Th2 cell functions, and could be safely used as adjuvant.

  Isolation of a new 15-membered macrocyclic glycolipid lactone, Cuscutic Resinoside a from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis: a stimulator of breast cancer cell proliferation.:

 While searching for new estrogenic compounds from the plant kingdom, we investigated an extract of the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis (Convolvulaceae) which showed potency for stimulating MCF-7 cell proliferation. A novel resin glycoside, cuscutic resinoside A ( 6) was isolated along with five known compounds from the extract. The structure was deduced from its spectral data as (11 S)-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid 11- O-alpha- L-(4- O-2 R,3 R-nilylrhamnopyranosyl)-(1-->2)- O-alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1,2-lactone) forming a unique 15-membered macrocyclic lactone. The compound significantly stimulated not only MCF-7 cell proliferation but also T47D human breast cancer cells at a concentration of 10 microM. Along with cuscutamine ( 1) and kaempferol ( 4), 6 was tested in the transient luciferase reporter assay and was found to have different luciferase inducing activity characteristics from the other compounds. These results suggest that 6 stimulated cancer cell proliferation by a different mechanism from 1 and 4.
 

  Studies on the polysaccharide H3 of Cuscuta chinensis Lam:

 Aim: To study the structural characterization of an acidic polysaccharide, H3, isolated from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. Methods: Both chemical (such as sugar component analysis, methylation analysis, reduction of uronic acid, partial acidic hydrolysis, etc.) and spectral analysis (1HNMR, 13CNMR, IR, etc.) were used to investigate the structural characterization of H3. Results: The molecular weight of H3 was estimated to be more than 1.0 x 10(6). The analytical results of sugar components indicated that H3 composed of Rha, Ara, Gal, and Gal A. Methylation analysis, partial acidic hydrolysis and 1H, 13CNMR further identified the linkages and sequence of the residues of H3. Conclusion: These results suggest that H3 is a highly branched heteropolysaccharide with structure elucidation for the first time.

  Determination of flavonoids in Semen Cuscutae by RP-HPLC.:

 Flavonoids contents in 40 samples of Semen Cuscutae collected from areas all around China were investigated. Five principal flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-galactoside-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactoside, hyperoside, quercetin and kaempferol were analyzed simultaneously by using a reversed phase liquid chromatograph system with 0.025 M phosphoric acid-methanol as mobile phase. The recovery of the method was 97.0-102.9%, and all the flavonoids showed good linearity (r > or = 0.9990) in a relatively wide concentration range. The results indicated that contents of flavonoids in S. Cuscutae varied significantly from species to species, locality to locality, and parasiting host to host. Cuscuta australis contained a much higher content of kaempferol than C. chinensis, and few flavonoids were detected in C. japonica. The quality of S. Cuscutae can be evaluated according to the contents of flavonoids.

  Identification of seeds of Cuscuta australis and C. chinensis by TLC and HPLC:

 Identification of seeds of Cuscuta australis R. Br. and C. chinensis Lam. was carried out by TLC and HPLC. Polyamide membrane was used as stationary phase, MeOH-HOAc-H2O and CHCl3-MeOH-HOAc were used as mobile phase for TLC. For HPLC, Hypersil-ODS column was used; the mobile phase was MeOH-0.025 M H3PO4; the flow rate was 1.0 ml.min-1; detection wavelength was 360 nm; and column temperature was 40 degrees C. Both methods represented significant identification characteristics, and were simple, accurate and reproducible


  Identification of semen Cuscutae by HPCE:

 A method for identification of semen Cuscutae, a traditional Chinese herb, was developed. The proteins in semen Cuscutae were extracted under acid or basic conditions and separated by high performance capillary electrophoresis. The electrophoretograms of acidic or basic extractants from Cuscuta chinensis Lam., Cuscuta australis R. Br. and Cuscuta japonica Choisy showed significant differences, which can be used to identify the three different semen Cuscutae. The results of the identification for 13 pharmacognosical samples agreed well with those of scanning electronic microscopy and tissue microanalysis.

  Effect of improving memory and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity by invigorating-qi and warming-yang recipe:

 Invigorating-Qi and Warming-Yang (IQWY) had a good curative effect to some senile diseases such as senile dementia, senile hypomnesia etc. This experiment was designed for probing into the therapeutical mechanism of IQWY recipe. BALB/C pure bred mice were divided into five groups. Group I was taken per os of invigorating Qi (IQ), Group II warming Yang (WY), Group III IQWY drugs, Group IV was dysmnesia model, and Group V blank control group injected with normal saline only. All groups except Group V were injected scopolamine (5mg/kg) intraperitoneally to induce dysmnesia model after medication. IQ drug consisted of Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, WY drug of Cynomorium songoricum, Epimedium brevicornum and Cuscuta chinensis, while IQWY recipe consisted of both IQ and WY drugs. The results showed that IQ, WY and IQWY had an evident antagonistic action to Scopolamine induced dysmnesia mice, and could improve their memory. The erroneous times of the animal's reaction in Group I, II and III were less than those in Group IV, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. Acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in the mice could be inhibited by IQ, WY and IQWY also. The activity in Group I, II and III was less than that in Group IV and V, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01. The therapeutic mechanism of IQWY was in connection with its effect to M-cholinergic transmitters of central nervous system.

  Studies of the herbal and botanical origins of seman Cuscutae:

 Herbalogical study shows that Seman Cuscutae originated from Cuscuta chinensis is one of the most commonly used drugs in ancient times. Survey of botanical origins indicates that there are 9 species in Genus Cuscutae and 4 of them are commodities. The Cuscuta chinensis specified in current Chinese Pharmacopoeia (1985) is not the principal one.

  Effect of Cuscuta chinensis glycoside on the neuronal differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells.:

 Exposure of rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells to Cuscuta chinensis glycoside induced neuronal differentiation with resulting outgrowth of neurites and increase of acetylcholinesterase activity. A specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase, PD98059, prevented this effect of C. chinensis on PC12 cells. These results suggested that C. chinensis glycoside induced neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells linked to the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade.

  Structural features of an immunostimulating and antioxidant acidic polysaccharide from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis.:

 Three crude polysaccharide fractions, named CS-A, CS-B and CS-C, were prepared from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis by hot water extraction and diluted alkali extraction subsequently, then EtOH precipitation, and tested for lymphocyte proliferation activity. CS-A showed a stimulating effect on concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide induced mitogenic activity of lymphocytes. An acidic polysaccharide (CS-A-3beta) was purified from CS-A by anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The polysaccharide showed potent stimulating effects on lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production, but did not significantly influence the serum IgG level. Its structural features were elucidated by methylation analysis, partial acid hydrolysis, 1D and 2D NMR and ESI-mass spectroscopy. The data obtained indicated that CS-A-3beta had a backbone consisting of alpha-D-1,4-linked GalpA residues and beta-L-1,2-linked Rhap residues with branches at C-4 of Rhap residues and C-3 of GalpA residues, composed of arabinogalactan and glucobiose. This structure is typical for a pectic polysaccharide of the rhamnogalacturonan type. In addition, the effect of CS-A, CS-B, CS-C and CS-A-3beta on hydrogen peroxide induced cell lesion in rat pheochromocytoma line PC 12 was investigated. The results indicated that, besides its immunostimulating activity, CS-A-3beta had a protective effect against free radical-induced cell toxicity.


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Dodder Seed.
  2.Cuscuta chinensis.Dodder.Dodder seed extract Pharmacological Actions.